Paper, fiber, and like plate



May 29, 1934. BOTHE 1,960,407

PAPER, FIBER, AND LfKE PLATE Filed Au 13. 1952 l /r /7 2 2a4c s 30/56 m. s)

Patented May 29, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a paper or like plate, rectangular in outline both inside and outside, and therefore of maximum capacity in area for its extreme outside 5 dimension and which is provided with sufficient width of rim surface to adapt it for serving a variety of food in such a way that it can be readily eaten without spilling, and which by reason of the extended rim surface is possessed of a surprising degree of rigidity or strength in comparison with a plate of the same extreme outside dimension but having a circular center.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description at the end of which the invention will be claimed.

In the following description reference will be made to the accompanying drawing forming part hereof and in which,

Figure 1 is a view of the front of a plate embodying features of the invention, and

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view of the same.

In the drawing, the outline 1 of the plate is square or rectangular, although it is shown Wavy in detail, and the outline 2, of the bowl of the plate is also square or rectangular. Between these outlines there is a comparatively wide marginal portion 3 of square form, and it is wide enough to serve as a guard and prevent food from spilling over the edge of the plate in the normal use thereof as a serving plate. It will be noted (Fig. 2) that the wall 4 of the bowl rises from the bottom of the plate at a sharp or steep outward angle, and that the rim portion 3 flares outward from the wall 4 at an angle which is comparatively flat or gradual. This construction imparts rigidity to the plate. In comparison with a circular plate of the same extreme outside dimension the material of the rim portion 3, for example, as at 5, greatly increases the opposition to a bending force applied to the plate, and this is attained at the cost of no more material than is used in making a circular plate because in the latter the material cut ofi from the circular outline is Waste. In a plate with circular center the bending force is resisted only by the material in the rim at points diametrically opposite the diameter in which the force is applied, and the resistance is, that of only the material in the width of the rim at these points. In the plate of the invention such force is resisted as Well by the material in the end of the rim of the plate which being comparatively extensive makes the plate more rigid. With a plate, circular both inside and out- 55 side, under stress the plate tends to bend down in the middle, whereas with a plate square both inside and out the ends tend to bend up on opposite sides of the line of applied stress, and the material at 3 and 5 being extensive satisfactorily opposes this stress and adds rigidity to the plate. The increase in area of the square form of rim and bowl adds to the capacity and strength of the plate without adding to its cost for stock. The bowl is comparatively shallow and need be no deeper than with a round plate. In addition to the possession of the desirable structure and useful features above recited, a plate of the invention presents an attractive, novel and sightly appearance. The square food space of a plate of the present invention exceeds in area the food space of a plate having a circular food space of like diameter by 22.46%, thus turning waste space into useful food space.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates that modifications may be made in details of construction and arrangement and matters of mere form without departing from the spirit of the invention which is not limited to such matters or otherwise than the prior art and the appended claim may require.

I claim:

A paper, fiber or like serving plate square in outline both inside and outside and having a rim portion wide enough to constitute a guard for retaining food, the wall of the bowl rising at a relatively steep angle outward from and in respect to the flat bottom of the bowl, and the rim portion flaring outward from the wall at a relatively slight inclination in respect to the flat bottom of the bowl substantially as described. 90

ANDREAS BOTHE. 

